I entered IPC again this year. IPC is the International print competition of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and some parallel it to the Olympics, like individual sports like track, swimming etc., where the main goal is to do your best and learn and compete mainly against yourself even though there are awards and medals. This IPC year -- Four of my images earned merits in photographic open and three of my four images earned merits in Artistry.

I will also earn my second Masters this year. Each degree takes 25 merits. I earned four exhibition merits and I only needed one more merit to earn my Master of Photography (M.Photog.) which is awarded for superior photographic skills demonstrated through the Photographic Open category of PPA’s International Photographic Competition, advanced education, and service to the industry.

I already have my PPA Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) which is one of the highest recognitions for speaking, writing and/or mentoring in photography.  This degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education. It positions the photographer as an authority in the industry.

I need three more merits (so hopefully next year!) in order to earn my Master Artist (M.Artist). A degree awarded to photographers for superior photographic skills demonstrated through the Artist Exhibition category of PPA’s International Photographic Competition (with images evaluated for computer-applied techniques and proficiency), advanced education and service to the industry.

 

My four Artistry images are below, with their guide images. In Artistry, you have to show all of the elements, in guide images on the mat.

"The purpose of this {Artistry} competition is to allow the entrant to demonstrate their art skills and expertise in pursuit of the PPA Master Artist degree (previously known as Master of Electronic Imaging degree). Entries will be judged for digital, artistic and technical proficiency. Entries can be created using digital or traditional art (such as painting and airbrush) or a combination of both. Through this competition, PPA members are also eligible to achieve PPA  Artist Exhibition Merits toward the PPA Master Artist degree."

This image below scored a 78, above average, but did not merit. I thought that it would get a chuckle out of the judges and therefore would have impact, but alas, it did not merit. It was the first time in my life I walked around LOOKING for BIRD POOP to photograph. I am looking forward to hearing what the judges thought (later on when they send their video critiques). Last year, I was double bronze, meaning 4/4 images merited in open 4/4 merited in Artistry. This year bronze in open and 3/4 in Artistry. 

The 12 Elements Of A Merit Image
"So just what does it take to have an image chosen for the International Photographic Exhibit at Imaging USA? When defining a “merit image”, PPA’s International Photographic Competitions Committee (IPCC) applies 12 distinct criteria. PPA-approved judges are trained to be aware of these 12 elements when judging images to the PPA merit level. These 12 elements bring together both the historical and modern practice of our profession."
https://www.ppa.com/events/photo-competitions/ipc-international-photographic-competition-overview/the-12-elements-of-a-merit-image